A study published in ACS Omega suggests that common rocks like soapstone and granite could revolutionize sustainable energy storage when combined with solar power. Researchers from Tanzania explored the potential of these rocks for thermal energy storage (TES), which involves storing solar heat for later use. Using concentrated solar power, the sun’s heat is collected, stored, and utilized to dry food or generate electricity. The team’s analysis revealed that Tanzanian soapstone and granite possess high energy densities and stability at elevated temperatures, making them promising TES materials. Unlike conventional batteries, which can be costly and resource-intensive, TES offers a simpler and lower-tech alternative by storing energy as heat.
The study analyzed various rock samples, finding that while granite contains silicon oxides for strength, the Craton granite’s composition is less stable at high temperatures. In contrast, both soapstone and Usagaran granite showed remarkable thermal stability. The Craton soapstone emerged as the most effective for TES, maintaining chemical stability and strong heat retention. The researchers noted the need for further experiments to fully evaluate the samples’ potential as sustainable energy storage solutions. This research indicates a promising direction for energy storage using accessible materials.
